2010 PROJECT OPPORTUNITY GRADUATION HELD

On Wednesday evening, December 15, 2010, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted a graduation ceremony for 13 veterans who completed Project Opportunity. Project Opportunity is a program providing military veterans the skills to become entrepreneurs through an eleven-week series of workshops. The program provides free education, outreach services, and technical assistance to participants.

The classes included the following topics; personal budget and credit, types of businesses and customer characteristics, an outline of a business and marketing plan, how to manage your business, and marketing analysis and e-commerce. A number of guest speakers provided the expertise of their skills and industry services to the veterans, including successful business owners, attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, bank representatives, and marketing specialists. The Rotary Club of Salisbury helped provide speakers and mentors. Joe Giordano, Chamber Foundation Workforce Development Coordinator and Kristen Bacon from Maryland Capital Enterprises lead the workshops and worked directly with the participants from week to week.

Jock McNair, Marketing Director of Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery, served as the guest speaker for the graduation ceremony, which was attended by family members, corporate sponsors, board members of the two organizations and other interested parties. Certificates of Completion were issued each veteran and special recognition was provided to the financial sponsors of the program. The ceremony was followed by a time for refreshments and social networking.

We would like to extend a big thank you to the following businesses and organizations that provided financial support for the project: M&T Charitable Foundation, Lower Shore Workforce Alliance, Bank of America Foundation, Rural Development Center at UMES (Maryland Hawk Corp.), BB&T Bank, American Legion Wicomico Post No 64, and the Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044.